HSH Prince Albert and Family gathered on Saturday on the square of the Prince’s Palace to attend the “Open Air Circus Show,” a tantalising foretaste of this year’s Circus Festival, including a high wire act across the Palace Square.

This unique performance of the greatest outdoor circus acts attracted an estimated 5,000 spectators and opens the season of the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival that celebrates its 50th anniversary this year (1974-2024).

The Circus Festival was inaugurated by Prince Rainier III, who had a passion for the circus. HSH Princess Stephanie assumed his mantle on his death and the Festival is now the foremost such event in the world.

PHOTOS: Frédéric Nebinger / Mika Alesi / Charly Gallo / Stéphane Danna.